My research focuses on the development and characterization of long-acting drug delivery systems. These systems enable slow drug release after administration of a single dose over days, weeks, months, or even years, and can maintain drug levels at the target tissue over a defined period of time. This approach can reduce dosing frequency, improve local therapeutic efficacy, and limit systemic side effects.
My research covers different stages of formulation development, from pre-formulation studies and material screening to physicochemical characterization, and in vivo investigation.
The focus of my work is the development of long-acting drug delivery systems using biodegradable and biocompatible materials, such as natural polymers and lipids, together with manufacturing approaches that involve reduced or no use of organic solvents. The systems are developed across different size scales, ranging from nanoparticles and microparticles to solid implants of several millimeters in length. Depending on the formulation strategy, different manufacturing techniques are applied, such as hot-melt extrusion, electrospinning/electrospraying, high-pressure homogenization, and dual centrifugation.
A central aspect of my research is the comprehensive characterization of developed formulations to understand how their composition and design influence performance. This includes the investigation of drug–polymer interactions, active pharmaceutical ingredient stability, drug polymorphism, and involved release mechanisms. Different analytical methods are applied for this purpose, such as DSC, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, XRPD, HPLC, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and electron paramagnetic resonance.
My research also includes the formulation and characterization of nucleic acid delivery systems, with a focus on loading, efficiency, toxicity, and stability. Overall, my broad experience enables me to identify suitable materials and manufacturing strategies through targeted pre-formulation studies for a given therapeutic need.
Location of office at SDU: Link to SDU MAPS
